Summit Lane Kicks Off Unity Program

Students and staff at Summit Lane Elementary School recently donned matching orange T-shirts to officially kicked off their Unity and P.R.I.D.E. program. The program, which stands for Patience, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Excellence, allows students to focus on these positive attributes throughout the school year in a fun and engaging way.

Members of the district’s central administration were present for the celebration where Principal Keith Squillacioti welcomed everyone and discussed what the Unity and P.R.I.D.E. Program is.

“At Summit Lane our Unity Program is a continuation of the P.R.I.D.E. Program we’ve had here and our ‘Get a Voice Program’,” he said. “With this Unity Program, we’re making Summit Lane orange.”

Following the welcome, a video about the program was shown by teacher Jennifer O’Brien. The video featured student liaisons and student councilmembers who showcased the meaning of the program in a news station format. They conducted interviews with staff members about how students can represent P.R.I.D.E. each and every day.

To show the school’s appreciation for the support of the district’s central administration, student council representatives presented Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance William Pastore, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Debbie Rifkin, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Todd Winch and Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services Dr. Donald Sturz with orange unity T-shirts as a thank you.

In addition, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tonie McDonald received a special shadowbox with the orange T-shirt inside. Enclosed was a P.R.I.D.E. coupon, photos of students and the words “Summit Lane has P.R.I.D.E. and We Are Proud.”

With the help of student councilmembers, students and staff were educated on how the reward system works within the program. Students will have the opportunity to earn P.R.I.D.E. Prize Coupons anytime during the school day for demonstrating good character and P.R.I.D.E. Every two weeks each student will have the opportunity to cash in their coupons for a reward including assorted prizes from the P.R.I.D.E. Prize Center or an experience such as being named teacher’s helper for the day.

Staff members will implement the program characteristics into their instructional lessons and each Friday, students and staff members will be encouraged to wear their orange T-shirt to symbolize the school’s unity. At the conclusion of the kickoff, the students and staff recited the school’s pledge of kindness as a promise to show their excellent character.

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